Pat Dolan has rejected Derry City's offer to become their next manager by extending his contract with Setanta Sports.  The club has also been refused permission to approach Dundalk boss John Gill.

Dolan, a former St Patrick's Athletic and Cork City manager, was in talks with the north-west club following Pat Fenlon's recent resignation after just five months in charge.

He said the club's offer was tempting and considered ending his three-year exile from management.

However, he has carved a niche presenting and analysing football on Setanta Sports and was keen to continue in the role.

It is unclear whether he will continue to act as advisor to First Division side Wexford Youths where his friend Mick Wallace is manager.

"Derry City impressed me greatly with their approach and plans and I found their offer very tempting," Dolan admitted.

"I am a football manager at heart and I will look to return to management in the future, but only when it is right for me in all aspects."

Dolan, who first joined the sports channel in 2005, has extended his contract by three years.

He has been out of front-line management since guiding Cork City to a runners-up spot behind Shelbourne in 2004.

Veteran defender Peter Hutton continues to steer Derry in a caretaker role but his club was today refused permission to approach Dundalk manager John Gill.

Gill was among those touted for the job following Fenlon's resignation but the First Division leaders are adamant the Dubliner will stay at Oriel Park and lead the club's promotion push.

Dundalk chief executive, Gerry Matthews, said the club received a call this morning from Derry City officials regarding Gill's availability.

"I was delighted to hear (Gill) say he intends to honour his contract with Dundalk FC," said Matthews who on that reassurance refused Derry permission to hold talks.

"John is an honourable man who we think is doing a fantastic job at the club.  For a such a great club as Derry City to seek our manager is testament to how well the club is doing at the moment."

Gill said speculation linking him to Derry was "flattering" but that he has no desire to quit his "massive job" at Dundalk.  He said he would like to extend his contract if anything.

• Former Republic of Ireland international Richard Sadlier - who prematurely hung up his boots because of injury four years ago - is one of seven new board members at St Patrick's Athletic.  The club's new board of directors  is comprised of:  Garrett Kelleher (chairman) and Gerardine Jones, Philip Mooney, Jerry Sheehan, Conor Gallagher, Richard Sadlier, Mark McCabe.